TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Last year, the number of registered pet dogs and cats in Taiwan surpassed the number of newborns, according to the Ministry of Agriculture's pet registration information system. In 2023, there were 94,544 registered dogs and 137,652 cats, compared to 135,571 babies born.
Pet healthcare is in increasing demand. As of Feb. 29, Taiwan had 5,773 veterinarians, including 3,993 pet veterinarians, according to the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine reports.
In 2022, Taiwan had 3,077 pediatricians, while by last year, 1,880 doctors had joined a specialist program for children under three, responsible for 195,552 children across 1,048 medical institutions.
Veterinarians, especially in areas with a high concentration of tech professionals like Hsinchu City, are more prevalent in metropolitan areas. In the six municipalities, New Taipei City leads with 84.3% veterinarians, followed by Kaohsiung at 78.4% and Taoyuan at 76.7%.
There are approximately 1,800 animal hospitals nationwide, but this number could rise to 2,000 by the end of this year or next, according to Yang Hsiao-po, chairman of the Taipei Veterinary Medical Association.
On average, each veterinarian in Taiwan cares for 575 animals, compared to 2,500 in Japan and 4,000 in the United States. The rising demand for pet healthcare has spurred more investment in medical facilities. Pets are increasingly seen as family members, receiving comparable medical treatment to humans.
Yang Hsiao-po notes that many choose pets for their therapeutic effects and to provide companionship for their elderly parents, enhancing their social lives.